Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick praises new on-screen son

Emmerdale actress Michelle Hardwick has praised her new young co-star, as her character Vanessa Woodfield returns to the village with her son, Johnny.

Vanessa had been absent from the village for almost 18 months while actress Michelle was on maternity leave following the birth of her son, Teddy, but she made her Dales comeback just after Christmas.

Despite some immediate tension with her ex-fiancée Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), and some drama with her sister Tracy Metcalfe (Amy Walsh), Vanessa has decided to return to Emmerdale for good, and this week viewers saw Johnny return, too.

ITV

Following Johnny's long absence from our screens, the character has been recast and is now played by actor Jack Jennings, who has taken over from former young star Luca Hepworth.

Actress Michelle has shared her appreciation for her new on-screen son on Twitter, posting an image of the pair in a scene together and writing: "A huge welcome to Jack who now plays Johnny Woodfield in Emmerdale. He's a little star and a pleasure to work with".

Her followers also sent a warm welcome to Jack, with one writing, "he's the cutest, welcome Jack", and another commenting, "Welcome Jack, you were fantastic tonight and can't wait for you to meet your siblings".

View full post on X

Michelle recently spoke to Digital Spy about Vanessa's much-anticipated return to the soap, teasing that we can expect to see a feistier side to Vanessa again after all that she's been through with her cancer treatment and her split from Charity.

"I always think back to when Vanessa first arrived and she was this feisty party girl. I think we lost a bit of that when she was with Charity and I'd like to see a bit of the old Vanessa back," she said.

"I'd like her to speak her mind a bit more and not have to answer to anyone. I do think what she has been through has certainly toughened her up. So come on Vanessa!"

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.